Two Oxfordshire pubs on final warning over underage sales

Two Oxfordshire pubs have been given a final warning over serving underage drinkers, after failing a second test purchase operation.

Police carried out an underage test purchase sting on Friday 4 April and found five of the nine businesses served the 14-15 year old volunteers, including four pubs.

Two pubs - Chequers in Chipping Norton, which previous failed in May 2007, and the Cotswold Arms in Burford, which failed in September 2007 - have been given a final warning.

"For those who have failed again, this is a final warning for the Chequers and the Cotswold Arms,"​ said

"We will be meeting with officials from West Oxfordshire District Council to discuss what actions, if any, will be taken with the Chequers and the Cotswold Arms," said Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden, police commander for West Oxfordshire.

The member of staff that served the test purchaser was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £80.

Evernden added: "These results are disappointing, especially those from Chipping Norton where all three pubs we tested were caught out serving alcohol to under 18s.​

"This is not acceptable, especially with the ongoing problems we have with certain youths in our market towns indulging in criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

"We will work with those premises that have failed for the first time to make sure their staff are trained correctly and the right processes are in place."

Police congratulated the Texaco Garage in Chipping Norton, the Londis shop in Chipping Norton, Cotwsold Stores in Chipping Norton and the Royal Oak in Burford, for passing the test.